Field of 8 Set for Esplanade Stakes at Fair Grounds

Ahh Chocolate is the 5/2 morning line favorite while making her 2016 debut. The Neil Howard-trained filly has won 4 of 9 starts and closed last year with authority while upsetting the Grade 2 Falls City Handicap field November 26 at Churchill Downs. The rapidly improving daughter of Candy Ride figures to be difficult to handle if able to duplicate that effort while returning from the layoff. BJ Hernandez will be in the irons with Ahh Chocolate set to break from the rail. 

Savings Account goes second off layoff 

3/1 second choice Savings Account will break from post 2 with James Graham taking the mount for trainer Tom Proctor. The steady five year-old mare has won thrice from 14 starts while also recording a trifecta of place and show finishes. Savings Account could move forward off a second-place effort January 23 in the Wayward Lass Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs while making her seasonal debut.

Short rest or scratch for Steel Cut?

The Oklahoma-bred Steel Cut (9/2) will break from the outside post for trainer Wesley Hawley with Mitchell Murrill riding. The five year-old daughter of Cactus Ridge has won 9 of 23 starts while earning over $200,000 in her career. The steady mare most recently finished second in the Gold Coast Stakes March 11 at Delta Downs. The quick turnaround between starts can be a sign of a sharp horse if Hawley decides not to scratch.